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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: Facing probation challenges due to mental health and transport issues in Minnesota. Legal steps?

I am facing serious challenges complying with probation requirements due to mental health issues, lack of transportation, and location constraints. Despite informing Benton County of my inability to attend mandatory random drug testing due to these circumstances, I have not received adequate... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jul 12, 2025

I’m not sure why Benton County would be requiring you to test there as there are testing facilities in Little Falls. I would suggest that you also inquire about transferring probation to Morrison County. The ADA is not going to require that probation make accommodations for your probation... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: Customs intercepted benzos shipment from Europe; no charges yet. What to expect?

I had 60 Klonopin pills shipped from Europe to the USA, but customs intercepted the package. I haven't received any communication from customs, and I'm not facing any charges at the moment. My doctor in the USA won't prescribe enough medication to manage my anxiety, which is why I... View More

Kevin L Dixler
Kevin L Dixler
answered on Jul 9, 2025

The Federal Government will take whatever action it deems appropriate, given its priorities, as a matter of prosecutorial discretion. You have the right to remain silent, anything that you say or do can be used against you in court, you have the right to representation from an attorney at any... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: What can I do if my probation officer refuses a second substance abuse evaluation recommendation?

I was ordered to get a substance abuse evaluation as a condition of my probation. The first evaluation contained fabricated information and misrepresentations. Initially, the recommendation was for supportive outpatient care until my probation officer mentioned a "dirty" UA, which was... View More

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Jul 9, 2025

There is always legal recourse. However, the further along you get in the criminal system, the harder it is to undo whatever your status has become. A big part of overturning any judge or other conclusions made in the legal system, as a mandate from the court, will usually cost a LOT of MONEY.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Legal Malpractice and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: Can a felon unknowingly possessing a gun be charged?

I was driving with a friend who is on parole when we got pulled over in Texas. I'm a felon myself but haven't been in trouble since 2009. My friend handed me a gun, which I didn't know he had, and I placed it beside my seat out of fear. The police searched the car without asking,... View More

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Jul 9, 2025

Yes, you can BOTH be charged with possession of the gun as you both were within arms-reach of the weapon.

You can escape criminal charges if your friend acts like one, and takes an official position of ownership or control of the weapon.

There are a lot of different ways to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: How can I legally compel Sumner County Codes Department to enforce a violation?

I've reported a violation multiple times to the Sumner County Codes Department regarding my neighbors setting up a second shed as a living space, which violates local regulations in Gallatin, TN. Despite many emails to the codes department and the local councilman, the issue remains... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 9, 2025

You probably cannot as you have no authority. Hire a lawyer to search the title and see if there are any type of restrictions of record. Hopefully both of you are in a subdivision where you would have standing to file suit in Chancery to get an injunction to enforce the restrictions if... View More

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Q: Deadline for Article 75 review on No-Fault Master arbitration award in NY?

I am inquiring about the deadline for an insurer to file an Article 75 review related to a No-Fault Master arbitration award. The award was issued in October 2024, but the insurer hasn't responded or issued payment per the award's terms. I'm aware that NY CPLR 7511 indicates a 90-day... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Jul 9, 2025

If you received an arbitration award and payment has not been timely made, your next step is to file a petition to confirm the award. Keep in mind that if the award is over $5,000, the insurance company can request a de novo review of the arbitration award (which is akin to a lawsuit). Here's... View More

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Q: Do I qualify for SSDI in my specific case?

I’m currently 35 years old of age. I was diagnosed with major depression and major anxiety while I was working during the time of the COVID 19 pandemic. It has been very difficult for me to maintain a job now due to this mental health condition. I worked for 3 years before my diagnosis in 2020. I... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 8, 2025

The answer to your question is two-pronged.

First, social security disability insurance applies only in cases where a medical condition permanently hampers a person from undertaking any type of work. Your medical file must reflect not only the existence of an impeding medical condition, but...
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Q: Do I qualify for SSDI in my specific case?

I’m currently 35 years old of age. I was diagnosed with major depression and major anxiety while I was working during the time of the COVID 19 pandemic. It has been very difficult for me to maintain a job now due to this mental health condition. I worked for 3 years before my diagnosis in 2020. I... View More

Jerry Lutkenhaus
Jerry Lutkenhaus
answered on Jul 11, 2025

It is very difficult to get Social Security Disability for a non-psychotic mental disorder like depression. At a minimum you would need a psychiatrist or psychologist to explain why you cannot do a simple uncomplicated non-stressful job. At your age your doctors would have to rule out jobs such as... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Virginia on
Q: Charged with domestic violence assault in Virginia, concerned about jail time.

I was recently charged with domestic violence assault. I fully cooperated with the sheriff, and both my and my wife's statements matched. I was released on an unsecured bond two hours later. I've since completed an anger management class online and have signed up for ongoing anger... View More

Christopher M Bell
Christopher M Bell
answered on Jul 9, 2025

Whether you face jail time depends entirely on the judge you appear before. Some judges are lenient, some take domestic violence very seriously. With that being said, you have many mitigating factors in your favor, and you have already taken several proactive steps that will appeal to the judge.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: How can I find out if my daughter has an active protection order in New York?

I am the father of my daughter and have physical custody of her. I am trying to find out if my daughter still has an active protection order against her mom’s boyfriend. I am not a listed party on the protection order, but I have evidence that he has been around my daughter. I want to know how I... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Jul 7, 2025

It is completely understandable that you want to ensure your daughter's safety and confirm whether there is an active protection order in place. As a parent with physical custody, it can be frustrating to be told you cannot access information that may directly impact your child's... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Consequences of missing a court date in Puerto Rico due to medication retrieval.

I currently have a civil restraining order in Puerto Rico with a court date set for July 10th. The individual involved has my Parkinson's disease medications and refuses to return them, claiming they don't know where they are. I have severe symptoms due to lack of medication, including... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 8, 2025

Missing a court date for a hearing to which you have been duly noticed may open you to contempt. If you are the benefit of the protection order, your case and the protection order may be dismissed. If you are the defendant, the court may grant the protection order or issue an order to have you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Community college charged me after financial aid fell through, what are my options?

I attended a community college for one semester in 2024, assuming my financial aid had been processed successfully. However, the college took no action to inform me that my financial aid did not go through and allowed me to continue taking classes. Now, a year and a half later, they have contacted... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jul 10, 2025

Allowing a student to attend classes under the impression that financial aid had been approved, only to later inform them that it was not, and demand payment for that time, may constitute bad faith. It’s akin to someone entering your property, mowing your lawn without permission, and then... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Options for reducing three-tier sex offender registry in New York after 40 years.

I have been on the three-tier sex offender registry in New York for 40 years without any new offenses. I'm interested in understanding the process and options available for seeking a reduction in my registry status. What steps can I take to pursue this, and are there specific legal grounds or... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Jul 7, 2025

I'm sorry that you have been dealing with the long-term consequences of this situation and are seeking a path forward. In New York, individuals on the Sex Offender Registry may petition for a modification of their risk level designation under certain circumstances, even many years after the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Gov & Administrative Law, Immigration Law and Family Law for Arkansas on
Q: Will a child support hold in Arkansas affect my international travel plans?

I have a valid passport that was issued before Arkansas placed a hold on my passport. I have immediate international travel plans scheduled for the 13th. I've been paying my child support, above the required amount, since I was notified in May of this year, and I have payment history. There... View More

Thomas Henry Johnson
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Thomas Henry Johnson
answered on Jul 3, 2025

Hypothetically; If a gentleman already has a valid U.S. passport that was issued before Arkansas placed a hold due to child support arrears, he may still be able to travel internationally—but there are important caveats.

What Works in His Favor

- The passport is already issued and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Gov & Administrative Law for North Carolina on
Q: How to expedite USCIS decision on green card application after submitting substitute sponsor evidence?

In January 2025, I filed an application for adjusting my immigration status to become a green card holder. In February, USCIS requested a substitute sponsor, and I submitted the evidence in March 2025. Despite a phone call to USCIS, I have not received any further updates. What steps can I take to... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jul 2, 2025

There is nothing uncommon about the delay in any type of response. As long as you have proof that they received it, you shouldn’t worry. In some of my cases, the delay between a submission response to a request for evidence and any kind of activity on the case file can sometimes be over 10 or 11... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Minnesota on
Q: Resolving MN bench warrants without violating ND probation; can I request a new judge?

I have bench warrants in Minnesota for failure to appear (felony) and felony 3rd degree simple possession, as well as a 4th degree aiding/abetting charge. I'm on unsupervised probation and bond for a new charge in North Dakota, with travel restrictions preventing me from leaving the state.... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jul 1, 2025

Dislike of judicial rulings is not a basis to remove a judge and get a new one. It is the norm that you would need to either turn yourself in or to post bond/bail in order to get a warrant quashed. It may even be a body only warrant that requires you to appear in front of a judge on the warrant... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Montana on
Q: Is a cabin on leased land real estate or personal property, and what legal instruments are needed for sale?

I am selling a cabin in Montana located on leased land under a US Forest Service Recreation Residence permit. The buyer is purchasing only the cabin itself, not the land. I have received conflicting advice about whether the cabin should be considered real estate or personal property. Some suggest... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 30, 2025

If you do not own the real property, you cannot convey anything by Deed. Will the cabin be removed from the tract? If not, you are assigning your leasehold interest. Read your contract with the US to see if this is even possible. If the cabin is being removed, and is not a modular home with a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Is the mandatory respirator questionnaire enforceable if I decline fit testing?

I'm employed by a local health department in Michigan, where we are required to complete a "mandatory" OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, even if we wish to decline being fit for a respirator. Even upon declining, I'm asked to sign a statement acknowledging the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 30, 2025

A Michigan employment attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. This is very specific and very technical - it's possible industrial hygienists involved in OSHA certifications could be closer to these types of settings than attorneys. As a general point, until... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Gov & Administrative Law for New Jersey on
Q: Impact of victim's input in a NJ parole hearing for domestic violence case.

I attended a parole hearing over the phone as the victim in a domestic violence case in New Jersey. I was instructed to prepare a statement, but I was not given the opportunity to read it; instead, I was asked specific questions during the 45-minute hearing. The parole officer's tone felt... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jun 28, 2025

Im sorry for what occurred and how you were made to feel, but you are better off asking a criminal law attorney who has been involved in parole proceedings his / her view on the impact of your response to questions presented. As a divorce and family law attorney, I handle domestic violence matters... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Tax Law for Texas on
Q: Does a church need a permanent location for IRS 501(c)(3) status?

Our small congregation of 15-20 people follows a nature-based Pagan tradition and meets eight times a year, often outdoors, at solstices, equinoxes, and midpoint Sundays according to Pagan customs. We rotate locations between board members' homes or rent space in local parks. Recently, we lost... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 25, 2025

The IRS considers several factors in determining whether an organization qualifies as a "church" for purposes of tax-exempt status including whether the organization has an established place of worship. That does not necessarily mean a permanent building of its own.

The IRS...
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